This sacred golden fish thrives in Bhutan

Prized by anglers for its striking color, size and strength, the golden mahseer (Tor putitora) is a large endangered fish found in southern Asia. Overfishing and habitat loss have caused golden mahseer populations to decline throughout its native range, except in Bhutan where the species has long been revered and protected by the government. Traditionally, the golden mahseer is considered a sign of good luck as one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

To discover more about this species, biologists and conservationists with the World Wildlife Fund and the Bhutanese government began radio telemetry studies to track mahseers in the rivers of Bhutan in hopes of learning more about its migration patterns and spawning.

This sacred golden fish thrives in Bhutan

Prized by anglers for its striking color, size and strength, the golden mahseer (Tor putitora) is a large endangered fish found in southern Asia. Overfishing and habitat loss have caused golden mahseer populations to decline throughout its native range, except in Bhutan where the species has long been revered and protected by the government. Traditionally, the golden mahseer is considered a sign of good luck as one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

To discover more about this species, biologists and conservationists with the World Wildlife Fund and the Bhutanese government began radio telemetry studies to track mahseers in the rivers of Bhutan in hopes of learning more about its migration patterns and spawning.